Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

HMS Pactolus based in Ardrossan during World War 1

1914 First World War,
HMS Pactolus
Ship was placed in harbour to care for submarines
A pier was modified ( Montgomerie pier ) with 3 x 6000t fuel tanks, pipes and pumps for refuelling

From The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald dated Friday 25th September 1964

In these notes last week we mentioned that Mr James Guthrie, who emigrated to Auckland, New Zealand, 39 years ago, had once been stationed in Ardrossan when he served aboard the submarine "Pactolus,"
But Mr Archibald Murray, No. 2 Staff House, Maternity Hospital,, Kilmarnock, informs us that he does not recall a submarine of that name in Ardrossan.

"There was," he writes, "a repair and depot ship in the new dock during the 1914 -18 war.
She was an engineless old battle cruiser fitted out as a workshop.
She was called H.M.S. Pactolus and was moored with her bow into the corner of the dock and her stern out in the basin so that access to her could only be gained by the one and only gangway up to the bow.

"She was a very busy vessel during the war but security was very strict and no unauthorised persons ever got aboard.
I was a milk delivery boy at that time and delivered milk aboard her, so I remember her well."